Making decisions that impact young people should be informed by young people
By Neylia M, a member of our Future Communities Collective
It is crucial for young people to have a say in decision making as we will be the future, and our voices need to be heard in spaces where decisions are being made as we will end up living with the future consequences. Our generation faces unique barriers that previous generations may not have dealt with such as climate change and the rinse of digital tech and mental health issues. These problems will shape the future, and so we need to have the opportunity to influence the choices that will shape the world we inherit.
Involving young people in decision making ensures that the decisions made are reflective of the needs and desires of a diverse and ever-changing society and help bridge the generational gap. When young people are excluded from decisions, the outcomes often fail to consider the long-term impacts on future generations which lead to outdated or ineffective solutions that don’t address the challenges of the current world.
As a member of the Future Communities Collective I have found my experience to be incredibly rewarding. When I first became a member, I didn’t know what to expect but it soon became apparent that it was an environment where my perspective as a young person was appreciated and respected. It’s rare to find a space where young people can have such an impactful role in decision making, and that has been incredibly empowering. Being a part of the collective has allowed me to develop and work on a variety of skills that have supported my personal and professional development, that I will carry with me for life.
The collective is made up of individuals who bring their own unique experiences and skills to the table, who are dedicated to improving their local communities. We have diverse backgrounds and cultures, but we are all working together to help design the process. This diversity contributes to discussions and the decision-making process, it will be inspiring to see how we work together to make decisions during the grantmaking process.
The most rewarding part of being in the Future Communities Collective is having the opportunity to have an active role in shaping the futures of young people in our communities. It is one thing to talk about change but with the collective we have the opportunity to see our ideas transformed into real change. It is great to see my thoughts and contributions are not only valued but also implemented.
Something that can often be challenging is trying to balance ideas while being realistic. I personally have a vision on how part of the process should look like but it’s easier said than done and transforming those ideas into a plan requires time and compromise.
Building communities of the future together involves creating places where individuals can interact, collaborate, and thrive. This is important because what we do now will have an impact on future generations’ wellbeing. By creating inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable communities through the Future Communities Collective, we can ensure that everyone may contribute to and benefit from a brighter, more equitable future.
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